If the substitute yarns will knit at about the same gauge and are similar in fiber, they should work fine. Also, maker sure your yardage is similar.

VictoiseC

03-08-2011, 08:06 PM

Yup, thanks Sue. I was hoping to hear from a few knitters who have actually tacked a whole dress. Maybe later...

JudyD

03-09-2011, 07:58 AM

This is the dress I'm making for one of my daughters. When my daughter showed me the pattern I looked up the yarn and discovered it was discontinued. When in a yarn shop in Freeport I had my workbook of patterns with me and one of the clerks asked to look through it. When she saw the dress pattern she asked if I had made the dress. I told her I had been unable to find the yarn. As it happened, she showed me the Berroco SensuWool in a pretty rose color. I was able to purchase enough yarn at sale price to make the dress. Even at sale price it's an expensive dress.

One of the reasons for the expensive yarn is memory...after wearing the dress the yarn has to return to its original shape. For example, wearing the dress is going to create a "butt shape" and if the yarn has no memory there is no way to get rid of that. The yarn also has to have good "drape".

I have not yet finished the dress as I keep putting other projects ahead of this one.

Click photo for larger version. Pattern is Anna by Berroco.

Judy

VictoiseC

03-09-2011, 11:19 AM

thanks Judy for the picture and info! I'll be careful to select a yarn with good drape, I see what you mean about retaining shape after wearing. That dress looks like a lot of work. Lucky daughter!